Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Eagle River - Gypsum - Colorado

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Black Beauty
February Midges Afternoon 18-22 Zebra Midge, Miracle Midge
March Blue Wing Olives, Midges Afternoon 18-22 for Midges, 18-20 for BWO RS2, Zebra Midge
April Blue Wing Olives, Midges Morning, Afternoon 16-20 for BWO, 18-22 for Midges Sparkle Dun, Zebra Midge
May BWO, Caddis Afternoon, Evening 20-22 Sparkle Dun, Goddard Caddis
June Stoneflies, Caddis Morning, Evening 14-16 for Stoneflies, 16-18 for Caddis Elk Hair Caddis, Golden Stonefly
July Stoneflies, Caddis, PMD All Day 14-16 Elk Hair Caddis, Yellow Sally, Pale Morning Dun
August Tricos, Terrestrials Morning, Afternoon 18-22 for Tricos, 10-14 for Terrestrials Trico Spinner, Hopper Patterns
September Tricos, Terrestrials, BWO Afternoon 18-22 for Tricos, 12-16 for Terrestrials, 18-22 for BWO Trico Spinner, Ant Patterns, Blue Wing Olive
October BWO, Midges Afternoon 20-24 for BWO, 22-26 for Midges Blue Wing Olive, Griffith's Gnat
November Midges Afternoon 22-26 Zebra Midge
December Midges Afternoon 22-26 Black Beauty

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

Based on the season and the type of fish you’re after, some spots on the Eagle River – Gypsum stand out as prime locations for fly fishing.
  • Chambers Park: Easily accessible and abundant with Brown and Rainbow Trout, this park is perfect for beginners and veterans alike.
  • Eby Creek: This spot is celebrated for its late summer Green Drake hatch which attracts plenty of big trout- a fly fisher’s paradise.
  • Frost Creek: Frost Creek runs through a golf course where anglers can catch larger than average Rainbow Trout.
  • The Toilet Bowl: Don’t let the name fool you, this spot is a hidden gem. Nestled below the Sylvan Lake outlet, this is a favorite for catching Brown Trout in the spring.
  • Brush Creek Confluence: Where Brush Creek meets Eagle River, anglers often find large Rainbow and Brown Trout, especially in the early summer.

Best Access Points

Colorado’s Eagle River is a renowned destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. There are several popular spots to gain access to this charming river in Gypsum.

  • Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area: This offers a pleasant atmosphere and is beginner-friendly. It’s located just East of the gypsum exit.
  • Two Rivers Park: It provides easy access for fly fishing as it connects to the Eagle River with a pedestrian bridge.
  • Sylvan Lake Road: It’s perfect for catching brown trout. It has public access points at the road’s major bends.
  • Public Access Point near the Eagle County Regional Airport: This spot is quite traditional and does not generally get crowded.
  • Eagle River Park: A new addition, the park has improved river access and is ideal for whitewater and fishing enthusiasts.

Local Fish

  • Trout
    1. Rainbow Trout: Noted for their strikingly vibrant colors.
    2. Brown Trout: Mature fish have a brown back and reddish belly.
    3. Brook Trout: Smallest of the trout species targeted on the Eagle River.
    4. Cutthroat Trout: Named for the bright red streak on their lower jaws.
  • Mountain Whitefish: Not targeted for its sport but for its fight when hooked and delicious taste.
  • Pike: A predatory fish that provides sport enthusiasts a great deal of excitement.
  • Arctic Grayling: Known for their beautiful, rainbow colored dorsal fin.
  • Salmon
    1. Kokanee Salmon: A landlocked salmon prized for its tackle-busting strength.

About The River

The Eagle River – Gypsum has a rich history that adds irreplaceable depth to its presence in the American West. Born in the Continental Divide, this river plays an essential part in the fascinating tale of Gypsum town and the development of the West.

  • Gypsum’s prosperity first took off in the late 19th century, when the mining of, you guessed it, gypsum (a key ingredient in plaster) began.
  • The establishment of the railroad in 1882 made transporting Gypsum’s vital resource to growing Western towns much more feasible, marking a significant economic boom.
  • Anecdotal tales provide an evocative picture of the past, with depictions of the Eagle River’s banks filled with campfires of hopeful gold miners throughout the Gold Rush era.

Today, while mining has lessened, the Eagle River – Gypsum remains pivotal; supporting local communities, residents and visitors, with its essential water source and splendid recreational activities.

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